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Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Speaker Leonard? Republicans Worry Dems Could Take Back Michigan House

Tom Leonard

By Brandon Hall(Email WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

Michigan House Republicans are coalescing around State Rep. Tom Leonard to be the next Speaker of the House after Dem prospects of taking over the chamber have the GOP spooked.

Leonard was the favorite in his battle against Rob VerHeulen, but VerHeulen dropped out. Leonard was also hailed as the more Conservative option in the race...

Interestingly, many House Republicans believe supporting Doanld Trump will cost them votes, but in face, that position could cost them: more than just a few Michigan Republicans, especially the "grassroots," won't vote for House candidates who refuse to support Trump, and names are beginning to circulate. This could cause those candidates to fall short while also alienating Independent swing voters.

"Members of the Leonard campaign celebrated the announcement, looking
forward to taking the steps necessary to secure Republicans' majority.
"Tom Leonard is the next leader of our caucus," said Leonard supporter
Rep. Lee CHATFIELD (R-Levering). "Now it's time to make him the next Speaker."

"Could not be more proud of my guy and the hard work and commitment he
has dedicated to preserving majority in the Michigan House," said
Leonard's wife, Jenell LEONARD, in a Facebook post. "Rob and
Norma VerHeulen have become dear friends and we look forward to what the
future holds. Onward to Majority!"

"Representative Leonard is a close friend, and he will do a great job
leading this caucus," VerHeulen said. "I appreciate his willingness to
stand alongside my team, and I look forward to all of us working closely
together on the biggest issues facing this state for years to come."

__________________________________________________________________Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.